Google Chrome text looks like gibberish

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Google Chrome text looks like gibberish

Text in Google Chrome does not make sense

DaniO

9:39 am on Mar 30, 2022 (gmt 0)

Hello smart people of WebMasterWorld,

Sorry in advance if there already is a topic about this, couldn't find it.
I got this weird issue today in Google Chrome, all the text just looks like gibberish (see image).
Sometimes even on other sites but mostly default pages of Chrome (like settings and incognito-mode).

I can copy the text and paste it elsewhere and then it's readable.

Anyone else that have had this issue and got a solution to it?
I'm using Chrome: Version 99.0.4844.84 (Official Build) (arm64).
Edit: I'm on a MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021)
Chip: Apple M1 Pro.

[imgur.com ]

Sincerely,
DaniO

not2easy

3:51 pm on Mar 30, 2022 (gmt 0)

Hi DaniO and welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com]

There have been reports: [webmasterworld.com...] of Google Chrome "not updating" to the latest version. You might need to run another update. Did you update from the browser itself or from the Google Chrome Updates site? It is recommended to use the Chrome Browser to download the new version and then relaunch.

DaniO

6:07 am on Mar 31, 2022 (gmt 0)

Thanks for the response and the welcoming not2easy!

I tried updating it through the browser and now have this version:
Version 100.0.4896.60 (Official Build) (arm64)

But the problem continues to appear :(
Feels like a such weird issue and I can't find any similar when Googling.
Kinda dorky to say but could it be a malware causing it?

Another screenshot just for good measure:
[imgur.com ]

engine

7:23 am on Mar 31, 2022 (gmt 0)

Hi DaniO,

Have you scanned for malware?

DaniO

8:32 am on Mar 31, 2022 (gmt 0)

Hello engine,

I have not actually done that yet (first time Mac-user).
Any suggestions on good scanning tools for Mac?

not2easy

2:25 pm on Mar 31, 2022 (gmt 0)

I use eset, they offer a free scan online and have versions for Mac/Win.

tangor

12:20 am on Apr 1, 2022 (gmt 0)

Sounds like the language file has changed somehow. Have you checked your settings?

DaniO

6:24 am on Apr 1, 2022 (gmt 0)

This morning it magically was back to normal!
The only thing I did yesterday that could have solved it was another hard restart of the computer(?).

@not2easy Thank you for the suggestion. I will still try eset and scan the computer to be on the safe side.

@tangor I don't think it was a language problem, although I also thought this at first that it had changed to Polish or something like that.
But when I copied the gibberish-text and pasted it into notes on my computer it was readable english as usual, that was the weird thing.

So if anyone else is viewing this thread and have the same problem try quit Chrome fully and then restart your computer (try it again if it still appears).
Thank you everyone for the help, wish you all a great weekend!

/DaniO